I want a poster that says "best case scenario"

I wonder why I always prepare for the worst case scenario instead of the best.

Oh, I’m sure it’s a survival mechanism. Perhaps I’ve learned it over time or perhaps it’s an inherent part of being human. Like a squirrel, I stow nuts away for the long winter.

Only instead of the preparing for the physical worst case scenario, I find myself constantly preparing for the emotional worst case scenario.

The physical worst case scenario makes sense. Especially in earthquake country. So, I’m not dissing setting aside money, ensuring food and shelter, or otherwise sensibly taking care of myself and my family.

I’m talking about that feeling that I’m always building a brick wall (with padded wall insides) to keep others out and to keep myself from getting hurt.

With whatever I’m doing, I brace mentally for the emotional worst case scenario.

Because in my brain, all hell is about to break loose. People will get mad at me, the project will flop, and I’ll be left all alone with no health, family, friends, money.

While this could be just as learned/instinctual as ensuring having adequate drinking water and clothes, I want to UN-learn it.

I want to start mentally preparing for the BEST case scenario.

Because OMG how would that be?

What would it be like if I braced myself for so much good I could barely handle it? Creative fulfillment and success—monetary, critical, and otherwise. What if I was so happy all the time?

Instead of thinking that good things are only temporary. That I’m being lulled into a sense of security. That the other shoe will drop if I get too happy…

I want to brace myself for the best case scenario.

Things are going to be amazing. And KEEP being amazing.

More and more and more.

The critical part of my mind (oh, that one that prepares for the worst case) tells me I’m being unrealistic.

But I think it’s just scared and thinking that things are going to be disappointing (or worse) is a way to protect myself.

What if I could protect myself by preparing for the best case scenario?

Just because something happened in the past doesn’t mean it’s going to happen again.

Because both thoughts are just mental constructs, no?

But I got this surge of energy thinking about the best case scenario…

What if the book I’m writing (or the next one) (or the one after that) really hits people in the feels and it does well?

What if something unexpectedly awesome happens?

What if my life could get better than I ever thought possible?

That’s the kind of pivot I want to do today.